Unlock the power of Windows File Explorer with this free app

Windows File Explorer has changed many times over the years, but even when it was rebuilt, it never felt groundbreakingly new, either visually or functionally. This seems to be the general MO of Microsoft and Windows.

That’s why users often take the initiative from Microsoft — and in this case, a free, third-party tool called Files brings a much nicer and improved look to File Explorer, making it easier to work with.

The free Files app offers features like cloud integration, tabs, multiple layouts, better file previews, extended features, personalized designs, and more.

Sophisticated look with better features

Whether you’re using Windows 10 or 11, File Explorer looks dull and drab. Microsoft has never been at the forefront of visual design in Windows, and File Explorer doesn’t offer much in the way of customization.

Files does it differently. They let you choose different themes and color schemes, and you can even choose a type of dark mode that’s easier on the eyes. The overall look is also more organized.

Frequently used areas can be quickly selected on the left, and you can also access drives or cloud storage with a single click. Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox are supported.

You can also define your own fonts and make File Explorer semi-transparent so that the background is visible. You can also set a separate background for File Explorer.

Bring advanced features to File Explorer

Files adds some special features that enhance File Explorer’s functionality and let you do much more:

• View divided into two windows
• Tab navigation
• Cloud Storage Integration
• File tagging system
• Ability to copy and save file paths
• Better context menu
• Extended administrator privileges
• Automatic unpacking of WinRAR and ZIP files

These are especially useful for Windows 10 users, but Windows 11 users can still benefit from them. For example, File Explorer in Windows 11 already has tabbed navigation, but the split-window view is new and lets you easily move files between two locations.

You can also assign colored tags to files and folders to quickly find them or sort them by specific aspects. The improved preview function for photos, videos, and documents also makes it easier to browse and search for specific files.

How to download the Files app

The Files application can be downloaded from the official website.

It is important to note that Files is an open-source project that is freely available. To get it for free, you must select the “classic installer” on the download page. However, if you want to support the development, you can choose to download it from the Microsoft Store, which costs $9.

And since it’s an open source project, you can also contribute if you want to help.